Senegal keep World Cup knockout hopes alive

AFRICAN hopefuls Senegal have enhanced their chances of qualifying for the knockout stage of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) World Cup following a thrilling 2-p2 draw against Japan.

The West Africans maintained their unbeaten start to the tournament in front of over 32 500 spectators at the Ekaterinburg Arenaon Sunday evening.

Liverpool forward Sadio Mane thrust Senegal ahead in fortuitous circumstances following poor defending by the Asians in the 11th minute.

Takashi Inui brought the Japanese level after finishing off a deft pass by Yuto Nagamoto in the 34th minute.

Senegal were back in the driving seat after Mousssa Wage finished off a flowing move by the Lions of Teranga in the 71st minute.

While it appeared the 2002 quarterfinalists would collect maximum points and ensure a perfect start for the tournament Keisuke Honda ensured a share of the spoils in this is see-saw encounter played in Russia fourth-largest city.

Senegal and the Samurai Blue are joint leaders of Group H with four points .

Poland and Colombia were scheduled to play the other encounter later in the evening.– CAJ News